VdP des Collines Rhodaniennes

Stéphane is confident that Seyssuel will eventually get its own Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée, although not, it seems, before having to pass through a stage as a humble Côtes du Rhône. No matter; he has done more than anyone to raise the profile of these rediscovered ancient vines. Their soils resemble Côte Blonde and their aspect approximates that of Hermitage. The happy coincidence of these features has fathered a wine of aromatic harmony and great latent power.
Simon Field MW - Rhône Buyer

Stéphane has come a long way in the 12 years or so that I have known him: he now has two children, an enviable reputation and a construction project to the south of Ampuis which will result in a winery to rival that of Messrs Guigal. He has also been buying land, which is no mean feat in Côte Rôtie. The challenge of 2013 centred on the cool weather in the middle of the season. Very late green harvesting and then a rapid harvest before the rains in October were key. I recall visiting during the harvest and witnessing a maelstrom of carefully choreographed activity, if you will pardon the apparent contradiction. The effort has certainly paid off.

Perched above the increasingly precarious Autoroute A7, these ancient “Vienne” vines host the renaissance of some of France’s oldest plots. Seyssuel labours patiently through the labyrinth of the INAO in a quest for appellation status. Stéphane labours equally patiently on these steep mica-schist soils. Ten years ago he experimented with stems; this year, despite the near perfection of the vintage, there has been complete de-stemming. This wine always haunts aromatically – violets and crushed rock of the sepulchre – while the palate is more forward, ripe blueberry and myrtle providing the most immediate Proustian recollection. Drink 2018-2025.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer

As always this wine is very expressive, packed full of vibrant fruit characters. The nose shows plenty of orange, greengage and white blossom, while the palate is equally generous with more citrus and stone-fruit. Barrel fermentation brings a nice creaminess to the wine and the finish is long and expressive. Think of this as a “mini-Condrieu”. Drink now to 2021.
Oliver Barton, Buying Assistant